ANTHONY Seibold is reportedly set to sign with the Brisbane Broncos on a deal beginning in 2020.

In a dramatic move that’s sent shockwaves across the NRL coaching market, multiple reports claim Siebold has told the Rabbitohs he is the Broncos’ preferred replacement for Wayne Bennett.

Brisbane completed its interview process last week and have reportedly informed Seibold he is their ideal candidate to replace Bennett when the veteran walks away.

However, that situation could still be turned on its head with the Broncos also considering Seibold for the 2019 season, while Bennett’s future also remains unclear.

Seibold’s admission to South Sydney has reportedly seen the Bunnies pull their contract extension offer off the table.

The Rabbitohs were earlier this week linked with a play for former assistant coach David Furner — should Seibold leave the club this off-season.

Channel 9 reported on Wednesday night that the Rabbitohs had offered Seibold a revised contract a few weeks ago but were yet to receive a response.

It was reported recently that the Rabbitohs would be comfortable letting Seibold leave immediately because they had Furner ready to step in.

However, the former Raiders mentor remains contracted with Super League club Leeds and would need to get out of his three-year-contract with the England club to return to the Rabbitohs.

The likes of Kevin Walters, Jason Demetriou and Michael Maguire, are also in the running for the Broncos job.

It’s reported that should Seibold reject the Rabbitohs’ contract extension with a view to the Broncos, his position will become untenable opening the door for Furner — who has been an assistant at the club — to take over immediately.

It comes as The Daily Telegraph reports four clubs could potentially name new coaches in the next five days.
West Tigers chief Executive Justin Pascoe has returned from an overseas business trip to expedite Ivan Cleary’s release to join the Panthers with Wayne Bennett the desired replacement.

According to the Telegraph, Pascoe wants Bennett for 2019, not 2020 which would allow Cleary to link up with the Panthers a year earlier. Michael Maguire is also a candidate.

Cleary has signed on with Penrith from 2021 but there has been speculation he will join before then should a compensation package be agreed upon.

In the interim, caretaker coach Cameron Ciraldo is in charge.

The Broncos, meanwhile, are expected to name their coach for 2020 by Tuesday.

According to Channel 9, Furner told people on Wednesday that “there is a bit happening”.

Furner only just signed a three-year deal with Leeds in Super League, but reportedly has a get-out clause.

Furner was Canberra’s head coach from 2009 until he was sacked at the end of 2013.

He then spent three seasons at North Queensland as an assistant to Paul Green before joining the Rabbitohs in 2017.

Foxsports.com.au has reached out to both South Sydney for comment.

Leeds CEO Gary Hetherington spoke told AAP that Furner is expected to turn up to work in a fortnight.

“I know it’s been widely reported that he’s got a get-out clause, well no there isn’t one,” Hetherington said.

“It’s all pure speculation. David is committed to coming here, there is no question about that.

“We are looking forward to Dave arriving at the club and plans are well advanced for next season.

“Dave met with Konrad Hurrell last week to finalise his move ... and has been in a constant conversation with myself and (director of rugby) Kevin Sinfield regarding other potential targets for next season.

“We know how highly Dave was thought of at South Sydney Rabbitohs, his achievements there were a key reason why we spoke to him about becoming the Rhinos head coach.

“He is someone who knows our club, the potential here at the Rhinos and he is excited about what we can achieve together.”